Geophysicists hold weeklong Denver convention

The Society of Exploration Geophysicists is meeting in Denver this week, and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter was addressing the gathering Monday morning.

The SEG's "2010 International Exposition and 80th Annual Meeting" at the Colorado Convention Center was expected to draw as many as 10,000 participants.

The event opened Sunday and runs through Friday.

Ritter planned to speak about "Colorado’s leadership in the New Energy Economy and the important role of natural gas," his office said in a statement Monday.

The SEG is a professional association that promotes the science of applied geophysics and the education of geophysicists working in the energy and mining fields.

"Oil and gas industry professionals in Denver and the Rocky Mountain region have led the way over the past few years in developing and implementing technology to locate and develop unconventional resources," the SEG said in a statement. "The October meeting promises to showcase that technology for geophysical and nongeophysical professionals, as well as showcase the beauty and vibrancy of the Mile High City."

Some 300 exhibiting companies are expected to be on hand for the weeklong event.